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  • Title: Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides inhibit HIV-1 expression in chronically infected promonocytic U1 cells and in acutely infected monocytes.
    Author: Barcellini W, Colombo G, La Maestra L, Clerici G, Garofalo L, Brini AT, Lipton JM, Catania A.
    Journal: J Leukoc Biol; 2000 Nov; 68(5):693-9. PubMed ID: 11073109.
    Abstract:
    The purpose of the present research was to determine if alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and its C-terminal tripeptide [alpha-MSH (11-13), KPV] alter HIV expression in infected cells. The results indicate that chronically HIV-1-infected promonocytic U1 cells produce alpha-MSH and that immunoneutralization of the endogenous peptide enhances HIV expression. Because U1 cells express the alpha-MSH receptor 1 (MC1R), an autocrine-inhibitory circuit based on the peptide and its receptor likely occurs in these cells. To determine effects of pharmacological concentrations of alpha-MSH peptides on HIV expression, we measured p24 antigen release by TNF-alpha-stimulated U1 cells exposed to a wide range of concentrations of synthetic alpha-MSH and KPV. Viral expression was reduced by both peptides. KPV also effectively reduced HIV replication in acutely infected monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). The basis of the peptide influence on viral replication is at the transcriptional level; KPV inhibited activation of NF-kappaB that is known to enhance viral expression. Endogenous alpha-MSH likely contributes to natural defense against HIV. However, greater concentrations of synthetic peptide are much more effective in reducing HIV expression in infected cells.
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